Manufacturing activity in China continues to grow, but less than expected. L'final PMI index elaborated by HSBC in September it stood at 50,2 points, a level below the flash estimate of 51,2, but just above the fateful level of 50, which marks the border between expansion and contraction.
Above all, Chinese manufacturing was supported by the increase in orders from abroad, which compensated for sluggish domestic demand.
Compared to the preliminary reading of the index, domestic orders are weaker. Export orders instead rose to 50,7 points, from 47,2 in August. On a seasonally adjusted basis, however, according to HSBC, the expansion was contained.
